If you’re looking for budget friendly beach vacations and you’re basically a mermaid, nothing is as relaxing and restorative as a trip to the sandy shore. You don’t need to head to a fancy resort or live in the lap of luxury by the pool; dipping your toes (or fins) in the saltwater is more than enough to keep you satisfied.
Fortunately, the world is filled with magical beaches for you to explore.
Tips for Planning Budget Friendly Beach Vacations
When traveling to a budget destination, you can expect to make a few sacrifices to save money. However, wherever you go, there are two things to look for: cleanliness and safety. These two qualities are the difference between a dream vacation and a disaster.
Some destinations cost a fair amount of travel costs but make up for it in affordability when you land. Keep an eye out for travel deals and be creative in your planning. Here are ten of the best budget friendly beach vacations fit for an actual mermaid.
10 Budget Friendly Beach Vacations
Morgat Beach, France
France has plenty of incredible beaches to visit along the Mediterranean coast. If you get away from some of the more popular tourist destinations, you get the benefit of beautiful beaches without the crowds or the hefty price tag attached.
Morgat Beach on the Crozon Peninsula is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. While the beach itself belongs to a resort, there are many beach vacation homes for rent in the region to call home during your stay. The beach is surrounded by beautiful, mysterious caverns to explore when you need a break from lounging in the sun. If you venture down the shoreline, you’ll discover another beautiful beach called Ile Vierge, which stands under the watchful eye of an ancient lighthouse that looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Navagio Beach, Greece
Navagio Beach in Greece is often called “Shipwreck Beach” due to the skeletal remains of a ship washed up on the sand. This white sand beach is surrounded by towering cliffs, creating an otherworldly experience that will have you feeling like a siren.
Navagio Beach is on the Greecian island Zakynthos, which is removed from some of the more popular destinations in Greece. If you stay away from the larger resorts, budget friendly beach vacations in Greece are totally within your grasp.
Langkawi, Malaysia
Picture this: you’re laying on a white sand beach with turquoise waves lapping at the shore. Behind you, hills filled with lush jungle trees catch the breeze. Overhead, coconuts sway daintily. This is what awaits you when you visit Langkawi.
This hidden gem was once a hideout for seafaring pirates of old. Now, it’s a hideout for those who want to unplug and relax on the beach. With hotels as cheap as $30 per night, both you and your wallet will feel stress-free in this magical landscape.
Varadero, Cuba
Cuba is rife with controversy when it comes to American travelers, but visitors from Canada and Europe have been enjoying their budget friendly beach vacations for years. Even all-inclusive resorts are affordable in comparison to other luxury destinations.
With beachfront houses and apartments costing as little as $25 per night, it’s no wonder budget travelers venture here to drink rum out of pineapples and frolic with the dolphins. There are loopholes for Americans who wish to make the journey to Cuba, but if all else fails, the nearby Dominican Republic is a nice alternative.
Boracay, Philippines
Unlike some destinations on this list, Boracay is fairly well-known for budget travelers. This lively beach scene has an active nightlife, with bars and restaurants open all night long. The best part is, they’re all along the beach, so you don’t have to venture far from your preferred spot.
Fresh seafood, surfing, snorkeling, and sailing make for a one-of-a-kind trip. This destination has achieved the impossible: it’s become a popular tourist hub but is still perfect for the budget-conscious.
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a diverse landscape with jungles, volcanoes, and stunning beaches. It’s also a happy, safe destination for solo travelers compared to other parts of Central America.
While it’s worth visiting a black sand beach while in Costa Rica, no other beach beats Manuel Antonio. This beach is a part of the national park with the same name and is sheltered from rough waters by a unique landscape. This destination is both budget friendly and family-friendly. While you’re there, say hi to the iguanas, sloths, and squirrel monkeys who call the surrounding trees home.
Nova Scotia, Canada
If you’re looking for something a little more chill, there’s no other nautical destination like Nova Scotia, Canada. No matter where you stand in this Canadian province, you’re never more than 40 miles from a beach. Between beaches, you’ll find beautiful forests and quaint fishing towns.
While doing your tour of beach destinations in Nova Scotia, be sure to stop at Carters Beach, which looks like you’ve stepped into a tropical paradise. Visit Clam Harbour for the world-famous Sand Castle competition, and eat fresh-caught seafood by the shore. Just be sure to plan your trip for the summer, as the intensely hot coastal sun turns into volatile storms and extreme cold in the winter.
Marieta Island, Mexico
Mexico is home to many incredible beach destinations, but you’ll have to venture away from Cancun and the Mayan Riviera to experience them on a budget. Instead, head out to the island of Marieta, where you can explore Playa del Amor.
Playa del Amor is often called the Hidden Beach due to its unique structure. It’s entirely invisible from the surrounding area, and only accessible via a tunnel in the water. This enclosed beach boasts turquoise water, white sand, and seclusion.
Phuket, Thailand
Thailand is another incredible destination for the budget minded. Phuket has become a hot spot in recent years, due to its incredible scenery and affordable prices. Patong beach is a fan-favorite with access to all the local amenities.
If the busy Phuket isn’t your scene, head instead to Krabi. Phra Nang beach is one of the most scenic beaches, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Fewer tourists mean more room to spread out and relax.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
A lot of effort has been put into boosting the tourism industry in Puerto Rico recently. In other words, now is the time to go before prices skyrocket. You can get stunning accommodation on the beach for a reasonable price and engage in local events that not only entertain but support the continued Hurricane Maria relief efforts.
No matter where you choose to spend your beach vacation, take some time to put your fins (or your feet) up and relax. After all, that’s the purpose of budget friendly beach vacations!
